Hand-Worn Lint Remover With Opposed Fibers and Central Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lint and hair removal devices for textiles often fail to effectively collect debris in a single stroke direction, especially on surfaces with a nap, as they do not adequately raise the nap of the material to guide debris into a collection gap.
Innovation Solution
A hand-worn debris removal device with unidirectional fibers on its sides, oriented alternately to guide debris into a central gap, combined with elastomeric elements and adjustable straps for secure fit, allowing alternating cleaning strokes to collect debris efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single directional fabric is used for debris collection, then the device structure is simple, but debris cannot be effectively collected in alternating stroke directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using two different directional fabrics with opposite fiber orientations on opposite sides of the glove. The first directional fabric has fibers oriented in one direction while the second directional fabric has fibers oriented in the opposite direction, enabling effective debris collection in both alternating stroke directions without requiring a complex multi-component system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the glove surface into multiple zones with different fabric orientations. By dividing the glove into regions with first directional fabric and second directional fabric, each optimized for specific stroke directions, the system achieves comprehensive debris collection across all cleaning motions
2Productivity
If no gap is provided between directional fabrics, then the fabric structure is continuous and simple, but debris cannot be guided into a collection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a central gap region from between the first and second directional fabrics. This gap serves as a dedicated debris collection area where lint and hair accumulate during alternating stroke cleaning. By removing fabric material in this central region, the invention creates a functional collection zone that simplifies debris disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The gap acts as an intermediary space between the two directional fabrics, receiving and collecting debris that is guided by the oriented fibers of both fabrics during alternating strokes, facilitating efficient accumulation and disposal
3Productivity
If the device does not raise the nap of the surface, then the cleaning action is simple, but debris is not effectively guided into the collection gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by orienting the fibers of the directional fabrics in specific patterns that correspond to the direction of cleaning strokes. The first directional fabric has fibers oriented to guide debris during one stroke direction, while the second directional fabric has fibers oriented for the opposite stroke direction, creating locally optimized debris guidance in each region
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-worn debris removal device for cleaning fabric, upholstery, carpet, and other textiles comprises a pocket having a longitudinal axis, a first debris collecting element having unidirectional fibers having a first directional orientation, a second debris collecting element having unidirectional fibers having a second directional orientation opposite the first directional orientation and a gap formed between the first and second debris collecting elements along the longitudinal axis. Movement of the device in a first direction and a second direction across a surface to be cleaned collects debris removed by the first and second debris collecting elements in the gap.